Back to school funding reform

An assessment of the government's planned reform of the school funding system has focused attention on the problems the changes pose.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies says around one in six schools would see cuts in their funding of ten per cent or more as a result of the changes. One in ten would see their funding increase by ten per cent or more.

A consultation on the issue has just been completed, but the government has not yet attempted to quantify the likely effects of its proposals.

The IFS says any change would have to be introduced gradually, over time. But campaigners say the present arrangements are deeply unfair and are pressing for a faster transition period.